This article examines what we know about the experience of parents in the special education system--in particular, parents of children with learning disabilities since the passage of PL-94-142. Toward this end, I offer a review of special education literature about parent and professional collaboration, a rationale for relying upon a plurality of…

Individualized educational plans developed from the passage of Public Law 94-142. Problems have surfaced in the implementation of this program due to the great amounts of time that both teachers and parents are required to spend on each plan. (DF)

The author addresses the legal nature of parental participation in the education of handicapped children, with particular attention to involvement in the individualized education program (IEP) process as mandated by P.L. 94-142 (the Education for All Handicapped Children Act). (SW)

The article explains the required participation of parents in the education of their handicapped children specified in Public Law 94-142, the reasons for parental involvement, and the need to inform school personnel as well as parents as to their rights and responsibilities under the law. (MF)

Intended for educators who deal with parents of handicapped students, the handbook provides practical suggestions for working with parents not only at times where federal law requires it but through the process of development, implementation, and review of an individualized educational plan (IEP) as well. Eight sections cover the following topics…

This case study investigated parental perceptions of students with autism towards the IEP meeting from one family support group chapter in the north Texas area. Participants were asked to share their experiences of previous IEP meetings and to provide input regarding not only measures that school districts may take towards improving IEP meetings,…

Discussed are findings of a task force on parent-teacher-child involvement in the education of handicapped children, and described is a prescriptive approach to parent programs that focuses on assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation. It is explained that a 4-day workshop centered on 10 modules, including parent-child dynamics,…

The booklet on mainstreaming looks at the merging of special and regular education as a process rather than as an end. Chapters address the following topics (sample subtopics in parentheses): what is mainstreaming; pros and cons of mainstreaming; forces influencing change in special education (educators, parents and advocacy groups, the courts,…

In describing the process for developing Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for handicapped children, the author focuses on the need for teamwork and effective communication between Child Study Team members, teachers, and parents. (SJL)

This module (part of a series of 24 modules) is on philosophies, competencies, and skills that will aid the teacher in communicating with parents. The genesis of these materials is in the 10 "clusters of capabilities," outlined in the paper, "A Common Body of Practice for Teachers: The Challenge of Public Law 94-142 to Teacher…

Examines the use of consultation and school-based multidisciplinary team conferences in the delivery of educational and psychological services for mainstreamed handicapped children. Step-by-step illustrations of problem solving in a consultative relationship are extended to team problem solving. Reviews research that supports these practices. (GLR)

Since the passage of the 1975 Education for All Handicapped Children Act and the 1986 PL99-457 amendment, many children aged birth to 3 years with special health care needs are enrolled in early intervention programs. Educators working in early intervention services often need to respond to and manage seizure activity and medical emergencies for…

A sample of 212 Mississippi special education teachers responded to a questionnaire concerning their education, adequacy of their coursework, and their training needs in relation to PL 94-142. Identified inservice needs focused on individual education plans (IEPs), working with the emotionally disturbed, and cooperating with parents. (SJL)

Are instructional aides colleagues of teachers, bridges to the school community, both, or neither? This study addresses this question by asking instructional aides about their relationships with teachers and parents and about their status in schools, and suggestions are made to create stronger bonds among these partners in education. This paper…

This article describes how parents may use individualized education program reviews, prehearing conferences, and mediation to resolve parent-school disputes in accordance with Public Law 94-142's due process hearing system. Specific guidelines for meetings with school personnel are offered. Examples are given of prehearing conferences and parents'…